Digital Commons Network^™

The Incorporation Of Atmospheric Variability Into Dirsig, Brian Dobbs

Theses

The goal of this research can be divided into two main areas. The first is to improve the existing manner in which DIRSIG samples and references the atmosphere. The second is to give DIRSIG the ability to incorporate atmospheric inhomogeneities, as well as the ability to accurately model them. DIRSIG has limitations in how it currently samples the atmosphere. From a geometric standpoint, it does not fully sample the energy which is scattered by the atmosphere towards the sensor (upwelled radiance). There are also other geometric issues which lead to inaccurate modeling results. One significant inaccuracy is the fact that …

Performance Comparison Of Hyperspectral Target Detection Algorithms, Adam Cisz

Theses

This thesis performs a performance comparison on existing hyperspectral target detection algorithms. The algorithms chosen for this analysis include multiple adaptive matched filters and the physics based modeling invariant technique. The adaptive matched filter algorithms can be divided into either structured (geometrical) or unstructured (statistical) algorithms. The difference between these two categories is in the manner in which the background is characterized. The target detection procedure includes multiple pre-processing steps that are examined here as well. The effects of atmospheric compensation, dimensionality reduction, background characterization, and target subspace creation are all analyzed in terms of target detection performance. At each …

A Program Of Self-Esteem Development For Deaf Children In Rural Areas, Candi Daviton

Theses

Deaf children in rural areas often lack the development of self-esteem essential to their overall development of social and academic skills. Deaf children in rural communities generally have low interpersonal communication and leadership skills. Being isolated with no role model for their identification (deafness) could limit their language acquisition and identity development. The purpose of this project is to develop a special curriculum project which would help initiate a program that would enable deaf children in rural areas to develop self-esteem skills through a one week summer camp program focusing on learning about themselves and related essential self-esteem skills through …

Practical Implementation And Performance Analysis On Security Of Sensor Networks, Nidhi Verma

Theses

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a network made of thousands of sensing elements called as nodes with wireless capabilities. Their application is varied and diverse ranging from military to domestic and household. As the world of self-organizing sensor networks tip to the edge of maximum utilization, their wider deployment is adding pressure on the security front. Powerful laptops and workstations make it more challenging for small sensors. In addition, there are many security challenges in WSN, e.g- confidentiality, authentication, freshness, integrity etc. Contributions of this work are as follows: “Symmetric” security implementation: This thesis work designs a symmetric-key based …

Graphical Microcode Simulator With A Reconfigurable Datapath, Brian Vanburen

Theses

Microcode is a symbolic way to simplify control design that allows changing, testing and updating the control unit of processors. By changing the microcode, the same datapath can be used for an entirely different application, such as supporting a completely different instruction set. For these reasons, a majority of control units in modern day processors are microcoded. The object was to investigate and implement a graphical microcode simulator with a reconfigurable datapath and microcode format. By allowing a wide configuration of the datapath, many types of logical processors can be designed and simulated. The resulting implemented simulator is able to …

Enhancements Of A Three Dimensional Target Model For Deep Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Lonnie Parker

Theses

Both commercial and military industries incorporate the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In the case of the military, a stationary object, such as a bunker or tunnel, can be detected. Even high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) and twodimensional (2D) imagery of energy reflected by the target and its surrounding environment can be produced. This is accomplished using multiple scene perspectives inherent in advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques. Although underground target detection can be successful, the return data, usually suffers a significant degree of signal degradation due to the ground medium and target composition. A valid theoretical target model must account …

Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain-Transfer (Raft) Polymerization In Grafting Polymer Chains From Tio2 Nanoparticles, Joseph Lott

Theses

A phosphonate coupling molecule containing a vinyl double bond was synthesized and anchored onto the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. Diffuse reflectance infra-red (DRIFT) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the coupling molecule on the particulate surface while thermogravimetric analysis revealed the coupling molecule covered 28% of the surface. Methyl methacrylate was free radically polymerized through the immobilized vinyl bond on the surface in the presence of the reversible additionfragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) agent 4-cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate using 2,2'-azobisisobutylnitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. DRIFT measurements confirmed the presence of methacrylate groups on the surface. Differential scanning calorimetry detected a weak glass transition for …

Hindsight: The Moving Image And The Post-Photographic, John Aäsp

Theses

My recent video work employs a chronophotographic template to play on the idea of extracting knowledge from a fragmented visual sequence. Rather than freezing separate frames as instances of motion (as seen in a Muybridge sequence), motion is left within the sequence—looping continuously to create a paradox of stasis and dynamism. Using found footage from an older film era or clips from modern television, sequences are recaptured and reorganized to create a media-hybridized moment standing in a new temporal flow.

Influenced by the philosophy of Henri Bergson, this work explores a gray area between cinema and photography, motion and stillness, …

Investigation Of Poly[4(5)-Vinylimidazole] Composites And Their Potential As Proton Conductive Membranes, Jinghang Wu

Theses

In order to demonstrate proton conductivity in an imidazole polymer system, novel composite proton exchange membranes were fabricated by casting films of poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole/vinylimidazolium trifluoromethylsufonylimide] and poly(vinylidene fluoride)], PVdF, from mixed dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions. The phase, composition and morphology of these composites were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and hot stage polarized microscopy. Thermal stability was evaluated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Proton conductivity was in a fuel cell test fixture evaluated at GM Fuel Cell Activities in Honeoye Falls, NY. DSC thermograms were characterized by a crystalline melt for the PVdF component at ∼169°C. All composites displayed a well-form …

Multi-Variant Analysis Of Real-World Environmental Variables Affecting Image Fading On Outdoor Synthetic Inkjet Substrates, Elizabeth Kline

Theses

The permanence of large format, outdoor inkjet signs is a concern for many advertisers and companies creating signs that will be displayed for years or months in such an environment. The permanence industry has focused their research on using equipment to simulate these outdoor conditions the prints face to gauge their fading properties. This research took a more direct approach by placing the prints in an actual outdoor environment and tracking the rate of color change (∆Eab), and the environmental variables. A multiple regression analysis of the data was then used to create prediction models and to eliminate environmental variables …

Proteome Analysis Of Pseudomonas Putida Kt2440 Using 2d Gel Electrophoresis And Lc/Esi-Q-Tof Mass Spectrometry, Archana Pandey

Theses

The proteome can be defined as the complete set of global protein expression by an organism at any given time. It is this gene expression rather than genome itself that is responsible for most of the reactions taking place within a cell. Tools such as two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectroscopy (MS) are often utilized for the analysis and identification of the proteins that constitute the proteome. This thesis provides a general overview of proteomics and describes the underlying processes, mechanisms and technologies associated with modern proteomic analysis with specific emphasis on the use of electrospray ionization time …

A Clustering Approach In Sensor Network Time Synchronization, Ramesh Krishnaram

Theses

In recent years tremendous technological advances have led to the development of low-cost sensors capable of data processing activities. These sensor nodes are organized in to a network typically called wireless Sensor Network. WSN's are based on the principle of "Data Fusion" where the data collected from each sensor node is condensed into one meaningful result: Data Fusion is achieved by exchanging messages between the sensors. These messages are time stamped by each sensor node's local clock fuse reading. As noted in various references, Time Synchronization is a common feature used in networking in order to give the nodes a …

Visual Intent Recognition In A Multiple Camera Environment, Matthew Erhard

Theses

Activity recognition is an active field of research with many applications for both industrial and home use. Industry might use it as part of a security surveillance system, while home uses could be in applications such as smart rooms and aids for the disabled. This thesis develops one component of a “smart system” that can recognize certain activities related to the subject’s intent, i.e. where subjects concentrate their attention. A visual intent activity recognition system that operates in near real-time is created, based on multiple cameras. To accomplish this, a combination of face detection, facial feature detection, and pose estimation …

Investigation Of The Band Structures And Optical Properties Of Super Lattices, Sheikha Ahmed Awad Alnaeme

Theses

Group III nitrides are highly attractive materials because of their great potential for the development of optoelectronic devices in short wavelength, semiconductor lasers and optical light-emitters and detectors. GaN, AlN and InN are considered as the most important compounds in this class of materials. In this work, we present a theoretical investigation of the electronic properties (band structure, density of state and contour maps of the charge density distribution) and optical properties (refractive index, absorption and dielectric constants). Also, we investigate the band structures and optical properties of AlN/GaN and InN/GaN super lattices. A full-potential linearized plane-wave (FPLAPW) method is …

Prediction Of Job Completion Times And Optimal Overtime Allocation For Satisfying Production Due Dates, Olivia Liu

Theses

One of the important aspects contributing to the competitiveness and success of a manufacturer is the efficient management for timely order delivery. After production orders are scheduled, there arises the need of a support tool to aid in the analysis with the available information, and to support managerial decision making which ultimately aims at on-time delivery. One way in which companies can meet due-dates of orders that are in jeopardy of being late, is to schedule overtime. This research presents a method used for 1) predict the completion times of scheduled jobs; and 2) optimizing overtime allocation when delays are …

Strange Way Home, Seema Raju Mukhi

Theses

Set in India, this novel follows the narrator, sixteen-year-old Asha Mehtani, in her two-year struggle to decide between following tradition and following her own desires. Asha encounters an American teacher at her school who encourages her to read, to learn, and to follow her own path in life. But Asha¿s parents want her to get married right after she finishes high school, in an arranged marriage. By refusing to get married, Asha will damage her family¿s reputation and ruin her younger sister¿s chances of finding a good husband. Will Asha choose to follow her heart, to go to college and …

Many Are The Deceivers, Cassie Worley

Theses

This thesis examines the adaptations and disseminations of ancient and modern dominant Western Parables. It investigates both Biblical myths and fairy tales, as they are used as socializing tools, which set standards in Western culture, and prescribe conventions to our children. Within the thesis, themes from Little Red Riding Hood will be extrapolated, and compared to those found in Old Testament tales such as, The Expulsion from Eden, the Deluge, The Ten Plagues, and Exodus. Throughout the thesis, the history and function of the myth and fairy tale will be defined, and questions will be raised regarding the role of …

Robot Rescue, Hui Yu Ruan

Theses

Recently, it is very common in Asia that people put little toys on their office desks. It doesn’t mean they sometimes have their kids visiting them nor they are not grown up yet. These are toys, which can soothe their stress from work. I am always attracted by toys and also animations designed or directed by many artists and designers. In this fantasy world of toys, there may not be only human beings. As in Hayao Miyazaki’s animation “Spirited Away,” where there was a magic world ruled by a witch; and there was also an old spider man, a frog …

Self-Localization In Ubiquitous Computing Using Sensor Fusion, Jeffrey Zampieron

Theses

The widespread availability of small and inexpensive mobile computing devices and the desire to connect them at any time in any place has driven the need to develop an accurate means of self-localization. Devices that typically operate outdoors use GPS for localization. However, most mobile computing devices operate not only outdoors but indoors where GPS is typically unavailable. Therefore, other localization techniques must be used. Currently, there are several commercially available indoor localization systems. However, most of these systems rely on specialized hardware which must be installed in the mobile device as well as the building of operation. The deployment …

Tele-Cardiology Sensor Networks For Remote Ecg Monitoring, Meng Jiang

Theses

One of today’s most pressing matters in medical care is the response time to patients in need. The scope of this thesis is to suggest a solution that would help reduce response time in emergency situations utilizing wireless sensor networks technology. Wireless sensor network researches have recently gained unprecedented momentum in both industries and academia, especially its potential applications in Emergency Medical Services and Intensive Care Units. The enhanced power efficiency, minimized production cost, condensed physical layout, as well as reduced wired connections, presents a much more proficient and simplified approach to the continuous monitoring of patients’ physiological status. This …

Design Of A 14-Bit Fully Differential Discrete Time Delta-Sigma Modulator, Sumit Kumar Nathany

Theses

Analog to digital converters play an essential role in modern mixed signal circuit design. Conventional Nyquist-rate converters require analog components that are precise and highly immune to noise and interference. In contrast, oversampling converters can be implemented using simple and high-tolerance analog components. Moreover, sampling at high frequency eliminates the need for abrupt cutoffs in the analog anti-aliasing filters. A noise shaping technique is also used in DS converters in addition to oversampling to achieve a high resolution conversion. A significant advantage of the method is that analog signals are converted using simple and high-tolerance analog circuits, usually a 1-bit …

#13, Michael Frank

Theses

This thesis is an investigation into the nature of conceptual art and it's existence in an increasingly secluded and digitized cultural. The context of this paper exists within a realm of academia and attempts to provide an intellectual setting for the installation entitled #12. During this examination the dissertation does not limit itself to a particular medium, but rather attempts to analyze imaging and art from a perspective that takes into account the interactive dichotomies and paradoxical notions that, as a society we not only create but define our existence. As an artist I view the act prior to creation …

Astronomical Multi-Object Spectroscopy With A Liquid Crystal Turnable Filter, David A. Mcinnis

Theses

Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters are optical devices electronically controlled to alter their passband on demand without involving mechanics. By incorporating such a device into an imaging system, a datacube can be constructed by capturing images while stepping the filter through a series of wavelengths.

In astronomy, continuing improvements in the sensitivity of telescopes and detectors have increased the number of objects available for study far beyond the capabilities of conventional spectroscopic systems to measure them. Instead of collecting spectra a single object at a time, research into multi-object spectroscopy solutions, the ability to examine many objects simultaneously, is the current …

Social Learning Theory As A Model For Illegitimate Peer-To-Peer Use And The Effects Of Implementing A Legal Music Downloading Service On Peer-To-Peer Music Piracy, Nathan Fisk

Theses

In an attempt to both provide added services to students and help curb the growing problem of music piracy on college campuses, many universities have implemented legal digital music services. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) was one of these universities, where the Cdigix Ctrax service is provided to students. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of such a strategy, Information Technology Services (ITS) at RIT requested the services of Dr. Samuel McQuade, who administered a Webbased survey to all Ctrax users and an equal number of randomly selected non-Ctrax using students at RIT. In total, 447 students responded to …

Proving Ground, Alison Secrest

Theses

This thesis seeks to explain and explore the work in Proving Ground, the thesis exhibition that accompanies this written thesis. The exhibition consists of an installation titled Proving Ground, a series of photographs titled All New Materials, and a series of small sculpture titled New Evolutions.

The installation Proving Ground is a set of life size animals; a cow, deer, and two smaller creatures that reference Romulus and Remus. The cow and the deer are made out of paper mache and discarded stuffed animals. Romulus and Remus are made out of paper mache and horse hair. …

A New Architecture For Single-Event Upset Detection & Reconfiguration Of Sram-Based Fpgas, Ihesiaba Kamanu

Theses

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are used in a variety of applications, ranging from consumer electronics to devices in spacecrafts because of their flexibility in achieving requirements such as low cost, high performance, and fast turnaround. SRAM-based FPGAs can experience single bit flips in the configuration memory due to high-energy neutrons or alpha particles hitting critical nodes in the SRAM cells, by transferring enough energy to effect the change. High energy particles can be emitted by cosmic radiation or traces of radioactive elements in device packaging. The result of this could range from unwanted functional or data modification, data loss …

A New Architecture For Single-Event Upset Detection & Reconfiguration Of Sram-Based Fpgas, Ihesiaba Kamanu

Theses

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are used in a variety of applications, ranging from consumer electronics to devices in spacecrafts because of their flexibility in achieving requirements such as low cost, high performance, and fast turnaround. SRAM-based FPGAs can experience single bit flips in the configuration memory due to high-energy neutrons or alpha particles hitting critical nodes in the SRAM cells, by transferring enough energy to effect the change. High energy particles can be emitted by cosmic radiation or traces of radioactive elements in device packaging. The result of this could range from unwanted functional or data modification, data loss …

Avian Seed Dispersers Of The Invasive Rubus Niveus (Rosaceae) In The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Monica C. Soria

Theses

The foraging behavior of bird assemblages at Rubus niveus was determined over two seasons in the agricultural zone of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos in order to identify effective seed dispersers of the species and understand the factors that aid invasion of fleshy fruited weeds. A total of seven bird species were observed feeding on R. niveus fruits. In both seasons, the small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), the introduced smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani ) and the small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) were the most common visitors. Mean number of seeds removed per visit was higher for …

Sunny Side Up, Lori L. Phillips

Theses

A description of the author's thesis project creating pots with a chicken motif, with the intention of conveying grace and Southern hospitality. Includes 18 slides of her thesis exhibition and a CD-ROM including many more images in .jpg format.

The Free Gift, Chia-Chi Cho

Theses

Not Included